Does the College Board Pay Proctors? The Great Proctor Pay Debate
Ah, the SATs. Those glorious, stressful, all-encompassing letters that loom over high schoolers like a giant, overbearing shadow. You know what else looms over high schoolers? The proctor, the guardian of the test, the one who makes sure everyone stays on track and doesn’t try to sneak a peek at the answer key hidden in their sock (don’t worry, we’ve all thought about it).
But here’s the burning question: Does the College Board actually pay proctors? The answer, my friends, is a resounding… it’s complicated.
Let’s break it down.
The College Board’s New Policy:
In 2017, the College Board decided to stop paying an honorarium to school staff proctoring SATs during the school day. Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, they used to pay proctors? What kind of cruel world is this where they’re taking away free money?” Well, it seems the College Board decided the schools should pay their own employees to proctor the SATs.
This new policy apparently only affects school personnel administering the SAT or SAT subject tests during the school day. So, if you’re a high school teacher being asked to proctor the SAT during your lunch break, the College Board is basically saying, “Hey, we’re not paying you for this, but thanks for being the gatekeeper of our test!”
The Average Proctor Pay:
So, if the College Board isn’t paying proctors, who is? The answer, my friend, is probably your local school district. But according to some sources, the average Test Proctor base salary at the College Board is $21 per hour.
Now, let’s be real, $21 an hour isn’t exactly breaking the bank. Especially when you consider the responsibility of being a proctor, which includes:
- Keeping an eagle eye on test-takers: Spotting sneaky attempts to cheat (we’re talking the whole “passing notes under the table,” “sneaking in a cheat sheet,” and “trying to use a telepathic connection with a friend who’s already taken the test” shenanigans).
- Dealing with test-taking anxiety: You’re essentially a therapist for a room full of stressed-out teenagers.
- Ensuring fair test conditions: Making sure everyone has the same test booklet, test materials, and a room that isn’t too cold, too hot, or filled with the smell of last night’s pizza (because we all know that happens).
The “Most Likely Range”:
The “Most Likely Range” of pay for a Test Proctor at the College Board is between $34,000 and $49,000 per year. However, it’s important to note that this range reflects values within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data available for this role. So, some proctors might earn more or less than this range.
The Online Proctor Situation:
Now, let’s talk about those online proctors. Apparently, they’re making a little less than their in-person counterparts. The average hourly pay for an online Proctor in California, as of June 2024, is $18.63 an hour. But don’t worry, you can still make a decent living as an online proctor. Just be prepared to spend your days staring at a screen and making sure students aren’t using Google to cheat on their exams.
How to Become a Proctor:
So, you’re thinking about becoming a proctor? It’s not as complicated as you might think, but there are some requirements you need to meet. First and foremost, you need to be a responsible adult. This means no high school students are allowed to apply.
The College Board also prefers proctors who are educational professionals, like AP coordinators, active or retired teachers, or even substitute teachers. Parents who don’t have a conflict of interest (aka, whose kids aren’t taking the test) are also eligible. And if you’re a member of the administrative staff, you’re in luck!
The Bottom Line:
The College Board’s decision to stop paying an honorarium to school staff proctors is a controversial one. Some people believe that the College Board is taking advantage of teachers, while others argue that the schools should pay their own employees to proctor the SATs.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to proctor the SAT is a personal one. But if you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash and contribute to the educational system, becoming a proctor might be a good option for you. Just be prepared for the occasional “can I go to the bathroom?” request and the occasional student who thinks they’re too smart to follow the rules.
Need More Information?
If you’re still scratching your head about the College Board’s proctor pay policy or have more questions about becoming a proctor, don’t hesitate to connect with us at the JobLoving community. We’re always happy to help you navigate the world of test proctoring and find the answers you need.